Hydronic,zone-controlled temperature conditioning systems

ABSTRACT

Hydronic, temperature-control systems including either single or multiple line loops communicating with a source of circulating conditioned fluid for either providing upon demand and/or continuously circulating conditioned fluid, and in which thermostat-operated, solenoid-controlled valve-and-radiator assemblies include fail-safe means, plunger-dampening means, and/or lost-motion mounting for valve elements to afford proper seating; in which an expansion chamber is utilized to distribute fluid at increased pressure and reduced velocity for fluid distribution in a &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;bypass&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; system; and in which certain units are particularly adapted to facilitate maintenance and repair.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Leonard Troy 611 North Webster Ave.,Scranton, Pa. 18510 [21] Appl. No. 829,542

[22] Filed June 2, 1969 [45] Patented Oct. 5, 1971 [54]l-lYDRON1C,ZONE-CONTROLLED TEMPERATURE CONDITIONING SYSTEMS 17 Claims,19 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 237/8, 237/59, 236/75 [51] Int. Cl F24d 3/02 [50] Field ofSearch 237/8, 9,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,167,815 1/1916 Gold 236/75UX 1,791,964 2/1931 Kleinhans.... 236/75 UX 2,255,904 9/1941 Smith237/59 X 2,126,732 8/1938 Cames 236/75 X 2,240,731 5/1941 Van Vulpen237/5 2,310,745 2/1943 Parks et a1. 236/75 UX 2,323,236 6/1943 Parks etal. 236/75 UX 2,493,365 1/1950 Schramm 237/9 3,123,296 3/1964 Wantz etal.. 236/99 3,351,128 11/1967 Barnd 165/22 3,446,473 5/1969 Barker251/129 X Primary Examiner-Edward J. Michael Att0rneySamuel MeerkreebsABSTRACT: Hydronic, temperature-control systems including either singleor multiple line loops communicating with a source of circulatingconditioned fluid for either providing upon demand and/or continuouslycirculating conditioned IIYDRONIC, ZONE-CONTROLLED TEMPERATURECONDITIONING SYSTEMS This invention relates to temperature-controlsystems and more particularly to improved hydronic systems and controlunits for obtaining substantially regulated temperature in differentzones.

Zone or room-by-room air-conditioning systems, are desirable for thefollowing reasons:

1. Heat losses in any given room are extremely difficult to compute andare merely rough estimates; most heating and cooling systems areoverdesigned to condition the temperature in the area most difficult toheat or cool;

2. Conditions vary from time-to-time, season-to-season, androom-to-room, for example:

a. room facing north or subject to cold winds;

b. sun shining on a room major portion of the day;

c. variations due to the number of people in a room;

d. number of lights in a room;

e. cooking heat in kitchen;

f. rooms next to or over a garage area;

g. heat from shower or bath;

h. electrical appliance generated heat, fireplace.

These different factors create a substantial demand variation taxingeven the most carefully engineered system. Other factors effectingdemand requirements are rugs, drapes, sofas, etc., when air circulationis affected; some rooms may be used only periodically; a nursery demandsa higher temperature than an adults room; room temperatures in rooms forpeople who are ill, old, etc., should preferably be maintained at arelatively high temperature, etc. It has generally been recognized thatzonal control of room temperature is preferred and desirable.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide novel hydronicsystems and control valves or units affording zonal control forconditioning a room temperature by radiation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a noveltemperature conditioning system which automatically maintains a uniformcontrolled temperature in selected areas by means of a novelthermostatic control valve which, in the event of power failure,continues to permit fluid flow in the system, to incorporate a fail-safeexpedient therein.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novelsolenoid-controlled heat-exchanger and control valves for a hydronic,zonal control system.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a noveltemperature-control system of the character mentioned above in which thenovel hydronic control valve includes a valve element having meansaffording easy valve operation in spite of pressure differentialexisting in the control valve.

And yet another object of the invention is to provide in a novelhydronic system in which the control valve includes a valve elementhaving means for permitting fluid to bypass a heat-exchanger of thesystem. Other objects of the invention are to provide in a hydronicvalve means eliminating valve chatter; means cushioningsolenoid-operated control valves, and means for insuring proper seatingof a valve element.

These, together with other and more specific objects and advantages,will become more apparent from a consideration of the followingdescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawingforming a part thereof in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic floor plan illustrating two typicalinstallations affording room-by-room temperature control by demand flowof condition fluid and/or continuous flow of conditioned fluid andillustrating the thermostatic-controlled regulating valves of thesystems;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary wiring diagram illustrating generally thefunctioning of a thermostatic control in relation to a circulator orpump;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partially sectioned thermostatically controlledregulating valve and radiator conduit;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing a modified valve elementmounting;

FIGS. 5 and 5a show an embodiment similar to FIGS. 3 and 4 showinganother modification;

FIG. 6 is a still further modification of the regulating valve;

FIGS. 7 and 7a are still further modifications;

FIGS. 8, 8a, and 8b show a still further modification;

FIG. 9 isanother modification;

FIGS. 10 and are another modification;

FIG. 11 is a view showing a radiator in which conditioning fluidcontinuously flows and the fluid volume divides;

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a regulating valve used in a continuousflow system;

FIG. 13 is a view, similar to FIG. 12, showing another radiator elementused in a continuous flow system; and

FIG. 13a is a section on line l3a-l3a of FIG. 13.

Before referring to the drawings in detail, the systems to be describedare hydronic and will function at relatively low pressures andcirculation of a conditioned fluid will afford effective temperature orair conditioning.

Referring to FIG. 1, two conventional residential home installations areshown at A and B. These two installations would be found, for example,in a single-story dwelling such as a ranch style home, and a multistorydwelling conveniently described as a split level" home. Obviouslybasement, garage or attic temperature conditioning can also be providedin correspondingly similar manners.

In FIG. 1 a furnace of any suitable character will include a boilerhaving fluid conditioning coils, burners, condensers, etc., thesecomponents being generally conventional and are not shown. The boilerincludes an outlet pump P and inlet I. The pump outlet communicatesthrough a Tee 10 to branch outlet conduits l2 and 14, respectively,leading to areas A or B.

Area A, for example, includes two separate loops or zones, one forconditioning the temperature in the kitchen" and the other in combineddining area and living" room.

The kitchen" room is peripherally bounded by conduit 12 which isconnected by Tee 16 to a conduit 18 to the inlet of a valve-and-radiatorassembly 20. Assembly 20 has an outlet 22 connected by a Tee 24 to theinlet I and forming a complete circuit for one loop. The other loopincludes a valve-andradiator assembly 26 connected by peripheralradiator conduits 28 and 30 and EIIs 32 and 34 to a conduit 36communicating with Tee 24.

Without describing specific details, in response to atemperature-responsive thermostat (not shown) operating either thevalve-and-radiator assembly 20 or 26, simultaneously or independently,conditioned fluid will be circulated through one or both of the loopsfrom the outlet pump P to the boiler inlet I.

Referring to area B, the conduit 14 is connected to a series ofradiator-and-valve assemblies, 38, 40, 42, 44 and, the latter beingconnected by a conduit 46 and Tee 47 communicating with Tee 24 andboiler inlet I. The assemblies 38-46 are indicated as being utilized tocondition the temperature of bedrooms and bathrooms as labeled. Theassemblies 38-46, as will be described in detail, include a bypassconduit through which conditioned fluid continuously flows andsolenoidoperated regulating valves, also to be described in detail, inwhich, according to predetermined temperature conditions sensed by athermostat, will redirect fluid flow. Conditioned fluid will be directedto radiation conduits to provide a different supply of fluid to certainareas upon demand, i.e. bedroom, bathroom, etc., depending upon demandconditions.

In area A, for example, at an optimum location, an independentthermostat will be provided for the assemblies 20 and 26, respectively,whereby different temperatures are provided in these two zones, i.e.kitchen and combined dining area and living room. In area B eachassembly 38-46 will include an independent thermostat. In this manner,if one bedroom is seldom used, i.e. guest room, it will not beconditioned more than to a minimum or maximum afforded by a bypass lineof the respective assemblies.

The assemblies 38-46 are not shown in their operative attitude in FIG. 1and B, but are illustrated diagrammatically as lying on their sides;"however, in FIGS. 11-14 these units are shown in an operative attitude.Further, although radiation fins are shown on certain conduits allconduits can incorporate such fins,'and bypass lines can be locatedbeneath the floor of a room while the finned radiation line is above thefloor. Additionally, suitable radiation housings may be provided forradiator conduits. Conventiona sweated joints between conduits, Tees,etc., and/or threaded connections may be used. Additionally, materialsused may comprise castings of bronze or iron, copper and/or equivalentmaterials.

Referring to FIG. 2, each of the designated rooms will have suitablylocated therein independent, thermostatic controls 47, 47, 47", etc. Aboiler control relay 48 is connected to a conventional source of currentand a motor 50 is operatively connected to pump P. Connected across theelectrical conductors to motor 50 is a rectifier assembly 52 forsupplying low-voltage direct current to the thermostatic controlassemblies 47-47". Fuses are conveniently located in the circuits andrectified low-voltage direct current is directed from the rectifier 52to a contact arm 54 of the control assemblies 47-47". The assemblies47-47 include a thermal responsive contact 56 functioning to pivotbetween contacts 58 and 60. The contacts 58, when engaged by contact arm54; see 47 and 47", indicate, for example, that the rooms or areas inwhich the thermostats are located demand additional heat, and a circuitis closed to the boiler relay 48 causing the motor 50 to operate pump Pand hot water will be forced through the system. Although direct DCcurrent is used in the disclosed system, alternating current AC canlikewise be used.

The contacts 60 when engaged by contact arm 54 will be effective todirect current to a solenoid-operated regulator valve 62 including afield coil 64 and magnetically operated armature 66.

As will become apparent, operation of the armature 66 will result inoperation of a respective valving element to afford regulation of theflow of conditioned fluid.

Referring to FIG. 3, a control valve-and-radiator conduit assembly isindicated generally at 62 and comprises the type used at or 26 in area Aof FIG. 1. A pipe or conduit 68 directs fluid flow into a chamber 70 ofa casting 72 having a valve seat 74 surrounding an outlet 76. Thecasting 72 has suitably seated at 78 a second housing part 80 in which afinned radiation conduit 82 is connected. The housing part 80 has aninternal stop 84 opposite the outlet 76, and a tubular extension 86 ofthe casting 72 extends axially from outlet 76. The extension 86 issealed by a plug 88 and circumposed about extension 86 and plug 88 is afield coil or winding 90 which is connected by conductor 92 to thecontact 60 of a thermostat. The coil 90 is suitably grounded at 94and/or a separate ground line can be provided. An apertured, U-shapedmounting bracket 96 is received on extension 86 and plug 88, at oppositeends of the field coil 90, and a suitable lockwasher 98 is provided onthe end of plug 88.

Reciprocally received in sleeve 86 is a plunger 100 which forms acushioning chamber 102 with the adjacent end of plug 88 and which isloosely received in sleeve 86 to provide an axial passage 104thereabout. The plunger 100 includes a reduced rod portion 106shouldered to provide a seat upon which a valve 108 is secured by alockwasher 110 or the equivalent. The valve 108 is preferably producedfrom Teflon, for example, and rod 106 terminally engages stop 84 ofhousing post 80.

Noting the arrows directed from conduit 68 to conduit 82, theyillustrate fluid flow which normally urges valve 108 off seat 74; thusproviding a fail-safe" expedient, i.e. when power is off in the fieldcoil 90, fluid pressure urges the valve I08 off its seat 74. The chamber102 will be filled with fluid, and thus cnergization of coil 90 willnormally cause the valve 108 to engage seat 74; however, fluid inchamber 102 will prevent excessively rapid seating movement and valvechatter, i.e. fluid will bleed out of axial passage 104.

The valve, although shown installed horizontally at an L- connectionbetween conduits 68 and 82, may be rotated 90 whereby armature orplunger 100 reciprocates vertically.

Thus in addition to fluid flow tending to force valve 108 off seat 74,gravity action on plunger 100 will also tend to unseat the plungervalve, or valve may be mounted in any position. Plunger 100 and plug 88are preferably produced from a material becoming magnetized only when amagnetic field is generated in field coil 90. Frame or bracket 96 isalso a material aiding to increase the effectiveness of the magneticfield generated by coil 90. Valve 108 is designed to engage seat 74 justbefore plunger 100 engages plug 88. The valve can be located whereverconvenient in a given loop" of a building or home.

Referring to FIG. 4, slight modifications are made with respect to FIG.3. Sleeve 86' is produced as a separate element and projects intochamber 70, through an aperture in the casting 72' and is suitablybranched thereat. The plunger forms a rear cushioning chamber 102' withplug 88' and housing part 80 has a stop 84. The plunger 100' includes aspring mounted valve element 108' in which a first spring engagesbetween sleeve 86' and the element 108' and a second spring 101 isinterposed between valve element 108' and retainer on the end of theplunger.

Spring 101 affords a lost-motion connection, i.e. after valve 108 seatson seat 74', the plunger 100 continues to move toward the left. Valvehum is materially reduced or eliminated by spring 101, and spring 105operates to urge the valve off its seat in conjunction with fluid flowin the event of current failure.

In FIGS. 5 and 5a, a valve similar to that of FIG. 4 is disclosed.However, spring 105' is modified and includes some convolutions whichare closer to each other than others; this expedient provides a variableratio whereby the spring will tend to rapidly stiffen as it iscompressed. Thus, when the coil 90 is energized, the magnetic force willbe directly reflected in the compressive force stored in the compressedspring.

The fluid flow, in this embodiment is reversed as compared with FIGS. 3and 4 and spring 105 is of sufficient strength to force the valveelement 108 off seat 74 for maximum pressure to which the element 108 issubjected.

Additionally, tube 86" has a tapered mouth in which is received acorrespondingly tapered partial seal 87 against which the spring 105'abuts. The bore 89 of partial plug 87 is of sufficient diameter topermit fluid flow from chamber 102 without excessively rapid movement ofthe plunger which might cause valve hum or piston hammer. The spring105' is effective to urge valve 108 off seat 74 in spite of counterflowof fluid as indicated.

Referring to FIG. 6, the assembly shown includes a tapered valve seat74" and the valve element 108" has a correspondingly beveled or taperededge 109 which provides a force-fit in the tapered seat.

The various expedients such as springs, seals, etc., are clearlyinterchangeable in the different embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 7a, a modified plunger and valve element areshown. The plunger or piston 100" includes a shoulder 110 formed by areduced diameter stern 112 terminally engageable with stop 84. A valveelement 114 is reciprocably supported on stem 112 and is engaged onopposite sides by washer elements 116 and 118, the latter being engagedby one end of a compression spring 120 circumposed about stem 112 andabutting retainer 122. The valve element 114 includes an internal recessor bore 124 opening toward washer element 116 and an O-ring seal 126engages between the shaft stem 112 and bore 124.

The valve element 114 has relative angular movement with respect to stem112 and lost motion is afforded by spring 120. When coil 90 is energizedand piston is drawn to the left, if seat 74 and/or stem 112 are not inright angular relation the lost-motion mounting of valve 114 permits itto have flush engagement on seat 74, and spring 120 permits over-travel"of plunger 100".

In FIGS. 8, 8a, and 8b, the assembly shows a vertically disposed sleeve128 in which the terminal end is swaged or tapered at 130. The swagedportion 130 closely surrounds plunger 100" which includes a flexiblevalve 114' similar to that of FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the fastener122' comprises a nut element threaded on the terminal end of shaft 112'and permitting the adjustment of residual compressive spring pressureimposed by spring 120.

As seen in FIG. 8, the water level in the inlet conduit may fall, i.e.water does not completely fill the conduit. The lower end of tube 128,130 will be immersed in the water, and even when valve 114' is opened,"water will still enter chamber 119, thus insuring a cushion" when theplunger 100 moves upwardly, and quiet operation is insured.

Referring to FIG. 9, the valve assembly is similar to that of thepreviously disclosed and described embodiments, however, the piston 132is modified. A cushioning chamber 102 is formed at the rear end of theplunger and the plunger reciprocates in sleeve 86'. Mounted on stem 134is a valve element 136 retained thereon by fastener 138. The piston 132includes an annular groove 140 receiving an O-ring 142 therein, andengaging the bore of sleeve 86'. The piston 132 has longitudinallytherethrough a passage 144 opening at stop 84 and having a reduceddiameter portion 146 opening into cushioning chamber 102.

By so choosing the plunger diameter, bore sizes, etc., the rate ofmovement of the plunger can be substantially controlled. Resistance tomovement of plunger, i.e. damping movement, can be readily controlled inboth directions of movement.

In FIG. and 10a, a casting 148 is produced with opposed openings 150,152 on opposite sides of a chamber 70. The openings will communicatewith conduits 68 and 82 as seen in FIG. 3. The plunger, valve seat andvalve comprise a separate assembly or component 151 including a mountingflange 152 integral with a barrel 154 sealed at 156 with aperture 150,and flange 152is sealed at 158, with respect to an opposing flange 160,by screws 162. A sleeve 164 is sealed in flange 152 and is terminablyplugged at 166. The barrel 154 includes a terminal valve seat 168, and aplunger 170 reciprocates in sleeve 164. A valve element 172 is mountedon a stem portion of the plunger in engagement with a spring 174positioned by retainer nut 176. Fluid enters barrel 154 throughapertures I78 communicating with chamber 70'.

In a unit of the character shown in FIG. 10, replacement of the completeplunger valve seat, and valve is readily accomplished by merely removingscrews 162.

In FIGS. 3-10, valve assemblies adaptable for use in a loop such as thatshown at or 26 in Area A of FIG. 1. These valve assemblies are generallydescribed as two way valves, in which fluid normally flows through thevalve to the radiation conduit, until a room, zone, loop, etc., comes upor down to a temperature set on a control thermostat. Thereafter, thevalve is closed and fluid no longer flows until a subsequent demand bythermostat operation due to changing temperature conditions.

In FIG. 11, there is illustrated a radiation line 180 connected throughrisers 182 and 184 to Tee connectors 186 and 188, respectively. The Tees186 and 188 are connected by a coupling pipe 190 and inlet and outletpipes 192 and 194, respectively. The Tee 186" has an expansion chamber196 whereby fluid leaving line 192 decreases in velocity when enteringchamber 196. The fluid pressure increases with velocity decrease andpasses through pipes 182, 180, 184, whereby fins 198 cause heat exchangeby convection. This type of radiation line is usable in a single-lineloop as illustrated in FIG. 1, area A, this type line being found to beefficient since the cross-sectional area of the lines are not reduced inorder to attain circulation through finned line 180.

Referring to FIG. 12, a three-way" or bypass" system valve assembly isindicated generally at 200. This arrangement is utilized in area B ofFIG. I where temperature-conditioned fluid flows or is bypassed" when no"demand" occurs at the various areas controlled by thermostat, i.e. atassemblies 38-46 fluid will continuously circulate. Additionally thesolenoid controls coils, valves, etc., previously described aregenerally usable in the bypass assemblies of FIG. 1, area B.

In FIG. 12, fluid enters from conduit 201 to an expansion chamber 202 ofa Tee casting which includes a lower body casting 203 similar to thevalve shown in FIG. 3. An integral sleeve 204 has a solenoid coil 205retained thereon and plug 206 by a bracket 207 and a retainer 208. Thecoil 205 is suitably grounded to either the casting 203 or a separateground wire (not shown). A magnetically attractive plunger 210 having avalve element 212retained on a stem portion by a retainer 215. Thecasting 203 has an integral chamber 216 communicating with an opening217 surrounded by a valve seat 218 engageable by the valve element 212and through which the piston or plunger 210 projects. A second casting220 is seated at 221 and suitably secured about seat 218 including aninternal stop 222 engaged by the terminal end of the piston stem, beingnormallyurged toward the position shown in FIG. 12 by the direction ofwater flow and/or a compression spring 223 circumposed about the pistonstem which is engaged between the casting at the entrance to sleeve 204and the valve element 212.

The Tee portion 225 of the casting 203 has a pipe or conduit 227 of acalculated length, and casting 220 has an outlet 228 to which aradiating or finned conduit 229 is coupled.

The length of radiation conduit will be calculated in relation to theparticular conditions of installation. A three-way casting 230 isconnected at 231 and 232 to conduits 227 and 229 and an outlet'portion233. Suitably vent and drain plug's 234 and 235 are respectively securedin tapped bores of casting 230. As water enters chamber 202, thevelocity decreases with a resulting increase in pressure. Water is urgedthrough both conduits 227 and 229 the latter receiving water since valve212 is off seat 218, until the coil 205 is energized. The return spring223 is optional and can be eliminated, but is a safety factor tosupplement fluid pressure to urge valve 212 off the valve seat 218.After heating and/or'cooli'ng conditions are met, the solenoid isenergized and the valve element 214 prevents water from flowing throughline 229 although a slight amount of leakage can occur, and is possiblyreferred.

A slight leakage of fluid through conduit 229'tends to compensate forheat losses and/or gains in a particular area. Additionally, fluid flowthrough line 227, in the continuous flow circuit, will provide someradiation thus tending to maintain'a controlled temperature constant.

The position of conduits 227, 229 can be reversed, and the radiatingfins can be on one or both of the conduits. Additionally, conduit 213may be totally or partially insulated depending upon whether a certainamount of residual radiation is desirable, for example.

In FIGS. 13 and 130, a valve assembly 238 is similar in structure andfunction to that of FIG. 12. The distinctions are that inlet and outletconduits are generally vertical, i.e. conduits 240 and 242 will projectthrough the floor of a room. As seen in FIG. 13a, the casting 244includes an expansion chamber 246 upstream or opposite the valve seat248. In 'all other respects, the assembly of FIGS. 13 and 13a, functionsin the same manner as unit 200.

Briefly, there has been disclosed two systems, i.e. a twoway or "demandloop system per FIG. 1, area A (two loops), and a three-way" orcontinuous flow" system per FIG. 1, area B.

Each of the systems includes solenoid-operated control valves. Thesevalves can incorporate the many disclosed interchangeable features.

What is claimed is:

1. In a temperature-conditioning system for different zones to haveindividual temperature control comprising, in combination, a pluralityof zones, a unit for each of said zones, conduit means connecting saidunits, a source of pressurized treatment liquid connected in said systemfor circulating liquid through said system conduits, each of said unitsincluding an inlet and outlet port for receiving liquid therein anddischarging liquid therefrom, a heat exchange conduit connected betweensaid inlet and outlet ports, control valve means on certain of saidunits including valve means for optionally directing fluid to said heatexchange conduits, and temperature-responsive control means connected toeach of said control valve means whereby certain of said units in a zonebeing controlled will function independently of another to causetreatment fluid to pass through said certain heat. exchange conduit orbe essentially bypassed to another unit in another zone,temperature-responsive control means comprising a solenoid, said valvemeans comprises an armature portion operatively associated with saidsolenoid, and thermostat means connected to said solenoid forcontrolling energization of said solenoid and orientation of said valvemeans, a valve seat interposed between said inlet and outlet ports, saidvalve seat being in axial alignment with said annature, said armaturehaving a portion projecting through said valve seat, and a valve elementon said armature and movable therewith for engagement on said valve seatin response to actuation of said solenoid, said solenoid including aliquid cushion means at the distal end of said armature opposite saidvalve element, said liquid cushion means comprising a tubular sleeve indirect communication with said system and in substantial axial alignmentwith said valve seat, said armature being reciprocably supported in saidsleeve whereby liquid accumulates in said sleeve within said armature.

2. The temperature-conditioning system as set forth in claim 1 in whichone of said units comprises a radiator for receivingtemperature-conditioning fluid therethrough, said radiator comprising aninlet portion communicating with an expansion chamber; a pair ofconduits connected to said expansion chamber; said conduitscommunicating with each other downstream of said expansion chamber; atleast one of said pair of conduits comprising a radiation conduit andthe other of said conduits comprising a bypass conduit.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 in which the pressurized treatmentfluid is directed toward said valve element upstream of said valve seat,and said biasing means normally urging said valve element off the valveseat in opposition to normal system pressure.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1 in which said valve element isreciprocably supported on said armature and has relative movement withrespect to said armature in engagement with said valve element andnormally urging the valve element toward said valve seat.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1 in which said sleeve includes aterminal-metering end converging axially to the outer surface of saidarmature.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1 in which said armature includes anaxial bore extending from said opening at opposite ends of the armature.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1 in which said temperature-responsivecontrol means comprises a separate replaceable, assembly containingtherein said solenoid, armature, valve seat and valve element, and ahousing removably and sealingly receiving said replaceable assembly.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1 in which said armature and valveelement are vertically disposed and the valve element is normallygravity-urged off said valve seat.

9. A temperature condition system as claimed in claim 1 in which saidarmature is vertically disposed and is normally urged off the valve seatdue to the force of gravity in addition to normal fluid pressure.

10. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said valve element isdisposed downstream of said valve seat whereby pressurized liquidflowing through the system normally urges the valve element off itscooperating valve seat.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10 including an abutment elementdownstream of and in spaced relation from said valve seat and in thepath of travel of said armature for engagement by the terminal endthereof when the valve means is open and the solenoid is deenergized.

12. The system as claimed in claim 1 including an expansion chamberupstream of said valve seat for obtaining an increased pressure thereatas pressurized fluid flows through such system.

13. A system as claimed in claim 1 in which said valve element haslimited universal movement on said armature for angularly conforming todiscrepancies of said valve seat, said armature comprising a terminalundercut portion including a fastener on its distal end, said valveelement comprising a disc circumposed about said undercut portion andhaving an interior recess containing a O-ring seal, and a spring elementbetween said fastener on said distal end and said valve element forpermitting said armature to have relative movement with respect to saidvalve seat after the valve element is seated.

14. In the system as claimed in claim 1 including conduit means incommunication with said valve seat, whereby liquid flow through thevalve seat is directed thereto, and auxiliary bypass conduit meansconnected upstream of said valve seat and communicating with saidfirst-mentioned conduit means upstream thereof.

15. The temperature-conditioning system as claimed in claim 14 in whichsaid conduit means includes an expansion chamber upstream of said valveseat whereby fluid pressure increases therein and is directed towardboth said bypass line and said valve seat.

16. A system as claimed in claim 1 including a compression springcircumposed about said armature and extending axially between said tubeand said valve element, said compression spring comprising a coil springhaving graduated convolutions to provide a variable ratio as the same iscompressed.

17. A system as claimed in claim 1 in which said tubular sleeve isdisposed vertically and the lower end thereof is immersed in the body ofliquid being controlled whereby the cushioning means is maintainedfilled with liquid to cushion reciprocation of said armature.

1. In a temperature-conditioning system for different zones to haveindividual temperature control comprising, in combination, a pluralityof zones, a unit for each of said zones, conduit means connecting saidunits, a source of pressurized treatment liquid connected in said systemfor circulating liquid through said system conduits, each of said unitsincluding an inlet and outlet port for receiving liquid therein anddischarging liquid therefrom, a heat exchange conduit connected betweensaid inlet and outlet ports, control valve means on certain of saidunits including valve means for optionally directing fluid to said heatexchange conduits, and temperature-responsive control means connected toeach of said control valve means whereby certain of said units in a zonebeing controlled will function independently of another to causetreatment fluid to pass through said certain heat exchange conduit or beessentially bypassed to another unit in another zone,temperature-responsive control means comprising a solenoid, said valvemeans comprises an armature portion operatively associated with saidsolenoid, and thermostat means connected to said solenoid forcontrolling energization of said solenoid and orientation of said valvemeans, a valve seat interposed between said inlet and outlet ports, saidvalve seat being in axial alignment with said armature, said armaturehaving a portion projecting through said valve seat, and a valve elementon said armature and movable therewith for engagement on said valve seatin response to actuation of said solenoid, said solenoid including aliquid cushion means at the diStal end of said armature opposite saidvalve element, said liquid cushion means comprising a tubular sleeve indirect communication with said system and in substantial axial alignmentwith said valve seat, said armature being reciprocably supported in saidsleeve whereby liquid accumulates in said sleeve within said armature.2. The temperature-conditioning system as set forth in claim 1 in whichone of said units comprises a radiator for receivingtemperature-conditioning fluid therethrough, said radiator comprising aninlet portion communicating with an expansion chamber; a pair ofconduits connected to said expansion chamber; said conduitscommunicating with each other downstream of said expansion chamber; atleast one of said pair of conduits comprising a radiation conduit andthe other of said conduits comprising a bypass conduit.
 3. The system asclaimed in claim 1 in which the pressurized treatment fluid is directedtoward said valve element upstream of said valve seat, and said biasingmeans normally urging said valve element off the valve seat inopposition to normal system pressure.
 4. The system as claimed in claim1 in which said valve element is reciprocably supported on said armatureand has relative movement with respect to said armature in engagementwith said valve element and normally urging the valve element towardsaid valve seat.
 5. The system as claimed in claim 1 in which saidsleeve includes a terminal-metering end converging axially to the outersurface of said armature.
 6. The system as claimed in claim 1 in whichsaid armature includes an axial bore extending from said opening atopposite ends of the armature.
 7. The system as claimed in claim 1 inwhich said temperature-responsive control means comprises a separatereplaceable assembly containing therein said solenoid, armature, valveseat and valve element, and a housing removably and sealingly receivingsaid replaceable assembly.
 8. The system as claimed in claim 1 in whichsaid armature and valve element are vertically disposed and the valveelement is normally gravity-urged off said valve seat.
 9. A temperaturecondition system as claimed in claim 1 in which said armature isvertically disposed and is normally urged off the valve seat due to theforce of gravity in addition to normal fluid pressure.
 10. The structureas claimed in claim 1 in which said valve element is disposed downstreamof said valve seat whereby pressurized liquid flowing through the systemnormally urges the valve element off its cooperating valve seat.
 11. Thesystem as claimed in claim 10 including an abutment element downstreamof and in spaced relation from said valve seat and in the path of travelof said armature for engagement by the terminal end thereof when thevalve means is open and the solenoid is deenergized.
 12. The system asclaimed in claim 1 including an expansion chamber upstream of said valveseat for obtaining an increased pressure thereat as pressurized fluidflows through such system.
 13. A system as claimed in claim 1 in whichsaid valve element has limited universal movement on said armature forangularly conforming to discrepancies of said valve seat, said armaturecomprising a terminal undercut portion including a fastener on itsdistal end, said valve element comprising a disc circumposed about saidundercut portion and having an interior recess containing a O-ring seal,and a spring element between said fastener on said distal end and saidvalve element for permitting said armature to have relative movementwith respect to said valve seat after the valve element is seated. 14.In the system as claimed in claim 1 including conduit means incommunication with said valve seat, whereby liquid flow through thevalve seat is directed thereto, and auxiliary bypass conduit meansconnected upstream of said valve seat and communicating with saidfirst-mentioned conduit means upstream thereof.
 15. Thetemperature-conditioning system as claimed in claim 14 in which saidconduit means includes an expansion chamber upstream of said valve seatwhereby fluid pressure increases therein and is directed toward bothsaid bypass line and said valve seat.
 16. A system as claimed in claim 1including a compression spring circumposed about said armature andextending axially between said tube and said valve element, saidcompression spring comprising a coil spring having graduatedconvolutions to provide a variable ratio as the same is compressed. 17.A system as claimed in claim 1 in which said tubular sleeve is disposedvertically and the lower end thereof is immersed in the body of liquidbeing controlled whereby the cushioning means is maintained filled withliquid to cushion reciprocation of said armature.